No matter what language you speak, understanding the terms and nuances of a real estate transaction can feel like deciphering gibberish. It can certainly make buying or selling a house feel like a daunting process. The only thing that might compare is the task of finding a tenant to live in an income property that you own. 

Crystal-clear communication lies at the heart of every successful transaction. It’s also the basis of negotiating and getting the most favourable terms the current market will allow.

If you’re not quite fluent in the language, your transaction can feel even more perplexing than it already is. If you have a choice, working with a Realtor® who speaks your language can make your transition far less stressful. 

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What Are Your Priorities?

It’s easy for a native English speaker to say your first priority should be finding an agent with the industry knowledge and skills you need to buy or sell in the current market. This makes sense from a numbers perspective.

  • When buying, you want to save as much money as possible so you can build your equity faster.
  • When selling, earning the highest amount possible is critical to enhance your purchasing power for your next home.
  • If you’re looking for a tenant, you need someone who pays their rent – on time, every time – and who takes care of the property. It sounds simple, but the qualifying process can be anything but.

Getting results is the top priority of all real estate clients, no matter what your background or what language you speak. However, this also requires clear communication, which is difficult when you and your agent don’t understand each other.

Looking for more advice on buying or investing in real estate? The posts below will give you some valuable insights:

The Importance of Communication in Real Estate

Even when you and your Realtor® do speak the same language, it doesn’t always feel like you’re on the same page. Finding an experienced professional who listens to you and responds quickly to your questions can feel like searching for the last unicorn. What are your options?

  • If you are reasonably fluent in English, you might choose a non-bilingual agent, even if you’d prefer one who speaks your language.
  • If you are not comfortable at all, you could have a trusted friend or family member translate on your behalf.

Beginning Your Search for a Real Estate Agent

What if, after all of this, you still want a highly skilled real estate agent who speaks the same language as you? With thousands of professionals in the GTA from all nationalities and at all skill levels, the right fit is out there. You may just need to be more diligent in your search. 

A little background research on Google will bring up nearly infinite possibilities. For example, imagine you want an experienced Realtor® in Mississauga who also speaks Croatian:)

  • A search for “Mississauga real estate agent” brings up a mind boggling number of results. 
  • However, typing in “Croatian Mississauga real estate agent” narrows your search considerably.

You still have to vet and research your top contenders carefully, but you are on the right track.

Are you getting ready to sell your home? Here is some related reading you may find helpful:

Finalizing Your Decision

The right real estate agent will help you achieve the best possible value from your transaction while maximizing your comfort at every step in the process. Once this decision is behind you, everything will be far more seamless going forward. Needless to say, it’s not a choice to make lightly. 

You’ll want to work with an expert who not only has the skills and expertise to get your desired results but also has a high level of service and dedication to their clients. In other words, you want someone who sees you as a person with dreams and hopes and not just another transaction. 

Whether buying, selling, or renting, the answers to the following questions can help ensure you find the perfect fit for your situation. 

  • Do they have a dedicated website to showcase your listing or do they rely on their broker’s site?
  • Have they worked with your type of transaction in the past? If so, what kind of results did they achieve?
  • How many positive reviews do they have from previous clients they’ve worked with?
  • Do they respond quickly when you call or email? That could be an indication of the service level you can expect.
  • Above all, how comfortable do you feel after speaking on the phone or in-person? Is the agent friendly and approachable in addition to being knowledgeable?

If you decide that an agent who speaks your language is important to you, a quick phone call or video chat will give you an excellent idea of their communication skills. When you have an agent with the right blend of expertise and commitment, you can look forward to a seamless transition to your new life. 

Are you looking for real estate advice for your upcoming transaction? I am fluent in both English and Croatian and am happy to guide you through your next steps. Reach out today to damir@damirstrk.com or call 416-884-7925 with any questions.